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The one question that decides it: Do you already own (or want to buy) a good espresso grinder? - Yes: the Bambino Plus plus a separate grinder is the more flexible setup, and it's the one reviewers praise most. - No, and you want one box: get the Barista Express Impress. The original Barista Express is still sold, but the big testers no longer recommend it.
How we compare: We haven't lab-tested these machines. This comparison combines Breville's published specs (linked) with what independent reviewers found, and links each review so you can read it yourself. Canadian prices are the ones we saw on retailer pages on November 9, 2026. How we pick
Side by side
| Bambino Plus | Barista Express Impress | Barista Express (original) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating | ThermoJet, PID, ready in 3 seconds (Breville) | Thermocoil, PID | Thermocoil, PID |
| Built-in grinder | No | Yes, 25 settings, assisted tamping | Yes, conical burr |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Milk | Automatic texturing (hands-free) | Manual steam wand | Manual steam wand |
| Water tank | 1.9 L | 2 L | about 2 L (67 oz) |
| Warranty (Breville Canada) | 2 years | 2 years | 1 year |
| Breville Canada list price | CA$649.99 | CA$1,149.99 | CA$999.99 |
| Lowest price we saw in Canada | CA$479.99 (Coffee Addicts sale) | CA$1,149.99 | CA$749.99 (Coffee Addicts, sold out) |
Spec sources: Bambino Plus · Barista Express Impress · Barista Express (Breville Canada)
What reviewers say
Bambino Plus
- Serious Eats: best home espresso machine overall, a "longtime Serious Eats favorite". It's fast, compact, and its automatic wand makes latte-art-quality milk. Stop shots manually, because the volume buttons were inconsistent. (Serious Eats)
- Wirecutter: "our former top pick, and we still think it's a solid machine", though dialling in was harder than on their current picks. (Wirecutter)
- James Hoffmann: a plasticky build, but a "fantastic little espresso machine for milk steaming". (YouTube, 2020)
Barista Express Impress
- Serious Eats: best espresso machine for beginners. The assisted dosing and tamping "will especially appeal to beginners", and shots were consistent back to back. They'd like more grinder settings. (Serious Eats)
- The Serious Eats grinder tester, who started on an Express Impress, found its built-in grinder inconsistent with dense light roasts. (Serious Eats grinder guide)
Barista Express (original)
- Serious Eats lists it under machines tested and not picked: "we don't think the savings are worth it", after "a dozen tries to dial in a decent shot". (Serious Eats)
- Wirecutter calls the grinder "adequate". It puts the machine in its competition section and suggests the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro for more power and precision. (Wirecutter)
Bottom line from the reviews: the Bambino Plus has the broadest support. If you want the grinder built in, the Impress is the version reviewers back. At Breville Canada's list prices, the original Express saves only CA$150 and comes with a shorter warranty.
Where the Bambino Plus wins
- Speed. A fast heat-up suits one-drink mornings.
- Milk for beginners. Automatic texturing takes a lot of the skill out of steaming milk.
- Upgrade path. Because the grinder is separate, you can upgrade grinder and machine independently later.
- Size and price. It fits under low cabinets, and the machine alone costs roughly half as much as the Impress.
Where the Barista Express Impress wins
- One purchase, one footprint. No grinder shopping or extra counter space.
- Dose and tamp help. The assisted tamping and dose feedback take the guesswork out of the trickiest beginner step.
- Learning manual steaming. If you want latte art, a manual wand teaches the skill.
Things to consider
- Total cost: compare Bambino Plus + grinder with Express Impress. A Bambino Plus at CA$480–650 plus a Baratza Encore ESP at CA$279.99 (see our grinder guide) came to roughly CA$760–930 at the prices we saw, against CA$1,149.99 for the Impress. Sales change this, so check today's prices. Amazon.ca — Bambino Plus: Check price on Amazon.ca; Encore ESP: Check price on Amazon.ca; Express Impress: Check price on Amazon.ca
- Light roasts: people who like lighter, fruitier espresso usually want finer grind control than a built-in grinder gives. A dedicated grinder helps.
- Warranty and service in Canada: Breville Canada lists 2 years on both the Bambino Plus and the Impress. Buy from an authorized seller so the warranty applies.
Our pick by situation
- Mostly lattes, small kitchen, already own a grinder: Bambino Plus
- First setup, want everything in one box: Barista Express Impress
- Want to grow into the hobby: Bambino Plus plus a quality grinder (see the grinder guide), or look at the Gaggia Classic Pro